Colon Health

March Is Colon Health Awareness Month

How well do you know your colon?

It is also known as the large intestine, is about 6 feet long and is 2-3 inches in diameter

It takes approximately 36 hours for your colon to remove waste from the body after all nutrients have been removed

The various health problems that occur in the human colon take place when waste and toxins are allowed to remain in the intestines for a long period of time because they are not being eliminated properly

The longer waste material sits in your colon, the more likely that these toxins will be absorbed into your body

As these toxins remain in your body, you become more susceptible to health problems like irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, diarrhea, weight problems, hemorrhoids, joint pains, vision problems and loss of memory—to name a few

Achieving good colon health involves eating a healthy, balanced diet that is full of fruits, vegetables and fiber, drinking adequate amounts of water, exercising regularly, and following recommended guidelines for colon cancer screening and colonoscopies

Colonoscopies Save Lives!

Einar G. Lurix, MD is a gastroenterologist with Internal Medicine Associates. Listen in on his conversation about the importance of screenings and early detection.

Talk with the Docs

Each month, GHS takes you inside a conversation between two physicians. Join Drs. Cedrek McFadden and Jay Crockett as they discuss this month’s topic, colon health.

Facts & Myths

Preventable. Treatable. Beatable.

In many cases, colorectal cancer can be stopped before it spreads. Still, it’s one of the five most common cancers in the U.S. and is also one of the leading causes of cancer deaths. Don’t let myths stop you from getting life-saving screening tests.

Screening

Early Detection Is Key.

When your doctor suggests a screening test, it does not mean he or she thinks you have cancer. Screening tests are done when you have no cancer symptoms. But neglecting these tests could mean ending up with a cancer that could have been prevented.

Young Adults

Be Aware. Beat Cancer.

Even though recommended screenings don’t begin until age 45 or 50 for those with no family history of colorectal cancer, rates of new colon and rectal cancer diagnoses have been increasing significantly for people under 50.